By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
It has been 15 years since local businessman Buddy Rogers donated the Roxy Theatre to the Franklin County Arts Council, and the council has been working hard to bring it back to its former glory ever since.
Arts Council President Susie Malone said the council has spent countless hours working on fundraisers and restoration projects for the old theatre.
"We completely restored the roof when we got the building," Malone said. "There was literally a hole in the center of the roof and the sky was visible."
In addition to the new roof, the building has received new heating and air conditioning, a restored marquee, letters for the marquee, carpet replacement, ceiling and plaster repairs, new chairs for the bottom floor, new seats for balcony, a neon "Roxy" sign, the stage was installed and extended, theatre lights were installed, walls and floors were painted, showcases were repaired, the canopy was painted and repaired, curtains for stage and sound equipment and microphones.
A Roxy backdrop painting also done by Ronnie McDowell,
"These are the major projects that we have done over the past 15 years," Malone said.
The price tag for all these repairs total more than $146,000.
"Sen. Roger Bedford has been instrumental in the renovations at the Roxy," Malone said. "He secured over $100,000 in grant money for the Roxy over the years."
While there has been significant progress made on the building, Malone said the council is still a long way from finished. In fact, they are only about half way there.
"When we accepted the theatre, the architect indicated the total cost of the restoration would cost at least $300,000," Malone said.
Items needed to complete the restoration include: A movie screen, projector, roof repair, ceiling repair, a professional sound system, wall plaster repair and updating the restrooms.
"The Arts Council wants to keep this historic icon open for the community to enjoy the arts," Malone said.